Sense of a woman

In an article published in the New York Times last Sunday, Seth Mydans, who once covered Manila politics extensively, wrote on the increasing number of women leaders in Asia — long before Hillary Rodham Clinton and Angela Merkel made their mark in the Western hemisphere.

“Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, who became the world’s first female elected head of state in 1960, has been followed by female leaders in India (like the late Indira Gandhi), Pakistan (like the late Benazir Bhutto) and Indonesia, by two each in Bangladesh and the Philippines, and by Mrs. Bandaranaike’s own daughter in Sri Lanka.

“Two are in power today, and both are known for their toughness and combativeness: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the Philippines and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh,” wrote Mydans in the article, which was accompanied by a photo of President Arroyo saluting her troops.

But what is surprising, points out Mydans, is that these leaders did not really bring a woman’s touch to their style of leadership and pretty much governed like the men in their family — to whom they owed their power. That isn’t exactly a compliment. (Mydans cited Cory Aquino as one of the “less aggressive” women leaders.)

Mydans writes that according to experts, women leaders in Asia “have done little to advance the causes associated with women’s rights; they have not, with a few possible exceptions, governed differently from men, and they have not broken a path to the top that other women have followed.”

Mydans says “there still seems to be a glass ceiling that holds back women from reaching the very top purely on their own merits...”

Citing a German report, Mydans says most of Asia’s women leaders have gotten their position because of the men in their family. “There is no doubt that the rise of female leaders is linked to their being members of prominent families: they are all the daughters, wives, or widows of former government heads or leading oppositionists.”

One exception I can think of in the Philippines is Loren Legarda, who is neither the daughter, wife or widow of a former head of state, but has aspired to be President (and is running for vice president right now).

At any rate, Mydans’ article made me realize that women may be tough enough to be a leader, but may not be tough enough — or sensible enough — to remain being a woman when they are in power.

Being a woman has its advantages, you know.

Women leaders should be man enough to stop trying to be like men.

A photo safari in Batanes

Noted photographer Mandy Navasero travels back this summer to Batanes, the island that has captivated her heart. “The island is tailor-made for photographers. Verdant pasture lands as far as your eyes can see. The lapis lazuli blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea. Waves crashing against the rugged shorelines. And the beautiful sunrise in the rolling hills brings joy to the soul,” gushes Mandy.

Mandy invites budding photographers and leisure travelers to join her in capturing Batanes’ pristine beauty, as the photographs on this page show.

Mandy says that those interested in man-made wonders can gawk at the Basco Cathedral and other churches displaying details of the missionary period dating back to 1875. There is also the Basco Lighthouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Tukon Church on top of a hill, the Fundacion Pacita Abad Museum (now a resort) with the best view of the island. Another must-see is the House of Dakay, built in 1875 and one of the authentic stone houses on the island, if not the archipelago.

 For shopaholics, Mandy says, “The Honesty Store is where you shop, list all purchases and drop payment in the box.”

 Nearby is the historical Saint John the Worker Church of Ivana. Mandy also suggests visiting the old Spanish Bridge, and the Fountain of Youth at the Diura Fishing Village. 

Those joining Mandy’s traveling photo workshop get to trek on rugged mountain paths while doing macro photography and take a dip in the swimming hole next to the waterfalls. The most challenging leg of the workshop is climbing up and down the mountain, which Mandy’s former students have dubbed, GIG ROCK. 

Sabtang is a 45-minute boat trip from the port of Basco. Last year, Mandy’s class spent an hour reading books to barrio kids, which is part of her photo workshop. This reading program was launched in memory of one of Mandy’s students, Gig Oca Robles.

Gig was 16 when he joined the Batanes Photo Safari in the summer of 2007 with his mother, Marissa Oca. He passed away a year later. To immortalize Gig, an outstanding young man, Marissa perpetuated his love for books. So in Mandy’s workshops in Batanes, she involves participants in reading sessions with barrio kids. Last year’s beneficiaries were pupils of the Chavayan Barrio School.

Mandy has inspired hundreds of aspiring   amateur photographers composed of housewives, students, businessmen, retirees, foreigners, balikbayan and doctors through the years with her inter-active photo workshops.

Participants come from all walks of life, but they bond because of their love for photography and travel.

Mandy unselfishly shares tips on good photography, integrating what she learned from the Brooks Institute, where she graduated with a degree in Professional Photography, and her own 25 years as a practicing photographer.

Before the trip to Batanes, there will be an orientation meeting.

The Batanes on-site workshops are on Feb. 26 to Mar. 1, March 19 to 22; April 1 to 5 and April 23 to 26. There will be a photo exhibit after the 2010 Batanes summer trips at the LRI Pavilion, Bel Air II, Makati City.

(For inquiries, call Mandy Navasero at 899-1767, 896-3208 and 0915-2200104.)

(You may e-mail me at [email protected])